Home of Graces honors first responders with appreciation breakfast

VANCLEAVE, Miss. (WXXV)- Local first responders were honored at the Home of Grace chapel with an appreciation breakfast. They were recognized for their commitment and service to the community.

The Home of Grace hosted its inaugural First Responder Appreciation Breakfast, giving local heroes a moment to relax and be recognized for their service. MHP Trooper Landon Orozco said, “I need to call 911 or I need somebody to come help me. The first person you think of is your ambulance workers, firefighters, or police officers. Someone who is going to come as quick as they can and run to whatever danger or issue there may be. I could tell there was a huge need for first responders and it was something I had a passion about. We especially want to say thank you as well to the people that do these things for us. Having these appreciation events are just icing on the cake.”

With 61 years of service and thousands helped through their recovery program, the Home of Grace says honoring first responders is part of their mission. Home of Grace Executive Director Josh Barton said, “So many of the men and women that come to the Home of Grace were saved because of a first responder. Whether they had an overdose and were resuscitated, whether they were locked up or caught because they were caught in the mix of their addiction. At the time they might have said this is the worst thing that could have happened, but later on they say that police officer saved my life because I was on a spiral.”

Organizers say the strong response has encouraged them to continue this event in the years ahead.